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The Advantages (and Disadvantages) of Fence Post Options

The Advantages (and Disadvantages) of Fence Post Options

fence post

Your residential or commercial fence stands strong as a result of the fence posts you choose.

Posts form the foundation of your fencing. With that in mind it’s essential that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each fence post type.

fence post

Fence post options to consider for your residential or commercial fencing

Wood fence posts

Wood posts are the standard for most fence installations. Wooden fence posts blend naturally with the outdoor environment and can be customized with stains or finishes to match your property aesthetic. 

Wood posts blend well with traditional privacy fencing, picket fencing, and ranch-style fencing.

While wood fence posts are an affordable standard, keep these disadvantages in mind:

  • Susceptibility to rot, insect damage, and warping.
  • Maintenance and protection requirements such as sealing and staining.
  • More frequent replacement could be necessary.

Iron/metal fence posts

The materials for these posts range from galvanized steel or aluminum. Metal posts provide strength and durability for your home or business fencing. 

Metal fence posts create a secure and durable foundation for your fence design. They are resistant to rot, insects, and weathering making them low maintenance throughout the lifespan of your fencing. 

Metal posts can be used to support wood panels and can be installed to maintain the aesthetics of your fence design. Security fencing and chain-link fencing is well suited to metal fence posts. 

Keep in mind that metal posts can be more costly than wood posts. And are susceptible to rust if they’re not properly coated. 

fence post

Vinyl fence posts

This style post is typically maintenance-free and resistant to rot, insects and rust, or fading and warping. Color options are also available to provide a modern look for your fencing.

Vinyl fence posts are useful for residential fencing where aesthetics and low maintenance are desired.

It’s common for vinyl posts to be more expensive than wood or metal posts. And some harsh climates can make the vinyl material brittle and susceptible to cracking. 

While not as strong as metal posts, vinyl posts could also limit design options for tall or heavy-duty fencing.

Composite fence posts

These posts are constructed from recycled wood fibers and plastic. Composite posts have a natural, wood-like appearance and are generally low maintenance due to their synthetic design.

Composite fence posts can resist rot, warping, and fading. They also provide an environmentally friendly option for your fence design. 

Composite posts tend to be more costly than wood posts. You also have less color options compared to vinyl materials. 

The composite materials have tendency to sag as well. Thus, they’re better suited to a shorter fence design.

fence post

Factors to consider when selecting fence posts

Consider your climate

Humid or rainy regions would likely benefit from metal or composite posts. Areas that are dry with abundant sunshine would lean towards vinyl or wood materials.

Consider your security needs

Metal fence posts are ideal when you prefer a secure and durable fence design. 

Consider your budget

Wood fence posts typically cost less than metal, vinyl, or composite posts.

All things considered, your residential or commercial fencing relies on the strength and durability of your fence posts. Choose wisely and consult with your local fence professional as you consider your fence post options.

Tulsa fence professionals are experienced and equipped to provide you guidance on every step of your local fence installation process – including your choice of fence posts. 

Take advantage of these planning resources from your Tulsa fence company:

Compare Fence Options & Features

6 Essential Questions to Ask Your Local Fence Company About Fence Design and Installation

And…

Use our convenient pricing tool for your new or upgraded fence, gate, and post solutions in Tulsa.

fence post

Rely on the experience of a trusted Tulsa fence installer

Radius Fence in Bixby and Tulsa is a leader in fence and gate consultations and installation. 

  • Experts are available to help with your decision, installation, and your ongoing questions about protecting your fence investment.
  • Upgrade your home’s security and appearance.

Contact Radius Fence in Tulsa about your fence questions.

The Fence & Gate Experts

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Wood Fence

Vinyl Fence

Ornamental Metal Fence

Chain Link Fence

Round Rail Fence

FenceTrac Fence

Trex Fence

Custom Fence

PostMaster+ Fence

Pool Fence

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Stronger Fencing

Compared to wood, vinyl fencing is much stronger. Vinyl fencing is flexible and durable, which helps vinyl out-perform wood fencing in windy conditions and with environmental exposure to UV rays and weather.

More Options Available

Vinyl fencing is available in a wide variety of configurations to match any property, home, or purpose. Iconic, white vinyl picket fences give a feel of classic Americana with that white-picket-fence-style. Darker vinyl fences can be installed to make a space look more elegant or modern. From short picket to tall privacy, vinyl fencing can be designed to enhance your backyard or business.

Easy To Clean

Vinyl fencing can be cleaned easily with a regular garden hose. If you get a little mildew from moisture or shady conditions, you can use a mild dish soap and then spray off the fence with a garden hose. Vinyl fences are very easy to clean.

Beautiful Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences are a bright, bold fence choice. Available in a variety of colors, vinyl fencing can be installed in a many configurations to help you enhance the beauty of your property. And, because vinyl isn’t as porous as wood, vinyl fences retain their color and finish much longer than wood fencing so you can enjoy your fence for years to come.

A Good Neighbor Fence

Unlike most fence types that have a “good side” and a “bad side,” with your Trex fence, you will get the same beautiful finish on either side. No unsightly picket defects or exposed support railings. A Trex fence is beautiful no matter what side of the fence you are on. 

25 Year Limited Lifetime Warranty

The power of the outdoors has met its match. Trex is engineered to endure decades of foul weather and foot traffic…with the warranty coverage to prove it. 

With our 25-Year Limited Residential Warranty, you can rest assured that your backyard investment is well protected.

Download Warranty

Low Maintenance

Trex fencing can be cleaned easily with a regular garden hose . If you get a little mildew from moisture or shady conditions, you can use a mild dish soap and then spray off the fence with a garden hose. Trex fences are very easy to clean and typically only require it semi-annually,  making them a great option for low-maintenance fencing.

Eco-Friendly Fencing

 Trex eco-friendly composite fencing is made from an innovative blend of 96% recycled wood and plastic—that’s almost the whole thing. Trex fencing led the way green fencing more than 20 years, well before green was a buzzword. Because in the end, all of us want to look out on our fences and know that we’ve done our part. As one of the largest plastic recyclers in the U.S., Trex saves 400 million pounds of plastic and wood from landfills each year.

Never Shrink, Warp or Rot

PostMaster+ fences are designed for more than just presenting a seamless fence, it is an investment in peace of mind.

PostMaster+ is designed to not shrink, warp or rot like wood posts.

Up To 112mph Winds

Your PostMaster+ fence system can be configured to withstand up to 112 MpH winds.

Steel posts protect your investment from damaging wind while cedar offers protection from bugs, rot, and warping.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

You can feel confident in your investment as it comes with a Lifetime Limited warranty.

No other wood fence post even comes close to the performance and longevity of this innovative fencing system.

Download Warranty

Hidden Posts

PostMaster+ is the only steel fence post on the market designed to be hidden from view.

Both sides of your fence will showcase beautiful cedar posts while the steel on the inside creates a durable, long-lasting fence.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

RADIUS metal fences have a Limited Lifetime Warranty that protects against cracking, peeling, chipping, blistering and corrosion resulting in structural failure, without cause and workmanship and material defects through the manufacturer.

High Security Fencing

Maintaining a secure perimeter is your first line of defense against potential threats. A metal fence from RADIUS serves as a visual deterrent backed with heavy metal components that give a higher level of protection compared to traditional alternatives.

Coated Galvanized Steel

All RADIUS metal fences are coated inside and out. Our galvanized steel framework is subjected to a multi-stage pre-treatment/wash, followed by a duplex cathodic electrocoat system consisting of an epoxy primer, which significantly increases corrosion protection, and an acrylic topcoat, which provides the protection necessary to withstand adverse weathering effects.

Seamless Design

Our metal fence panels are fabricated through a welding technique that combines laser and fusion technology to create a virtually invisible structural connection at every picket to rail intersection. RADIUS welded steel construction is unmatched in strength and durability.

Modern Design

FenceTrac’s revolutionary, innovative fence system features one of the most modern, sleek designs on the market. Not only are these fences long-lasting, but they are also highly customizable as well as fashionable.

Stronger Trac Channels

FenceTrac U-channels are manufactured from 18-ga. roll-formed galvanized steel for superior strength and durability. This system is built to be long-lasting and customizable to match any yard.

Versatile Infill

Want to create a super durable fence that’s as unique as you? With a FenceTrac system you can pair their patented, durable U-channels with the infill that best fits your style. FenceTrac is designed to be used with nearly any type of rigid infill, so you can create the exact look you want.

Metal Frame

FenceTrac comes in with a durable textured matte black powder coat finish consisting of a multi-stage process of industrial, weather-resistant finish. The sturdy metal frame creates a stronger, longer-lasting fence. FenceTrac’s metal frame is also compatible for fencing sloped grades with precision. 

Stronger Posts & Hardware

A benefit of choosing RADIUS to install your chain link fence is that we use only the most durable posts and hardware.

Chain-link fences are known for being the last fences standing during hurricanes, tornados, and other severe weather events.

Top Rails For Structure

At RADIUS, we believe it’s important to go the extra mile to ensure your investment is built to last.

Adding a top rail to your chain link fence project creates an extra level of durability and security.

Premium Chain Link Mesh

Our chain link mesh offers a high level of security for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Manufactured with you in mind to provide you with security and beauty at the same time.

Nice Finishing Caps

At RADIUS, we pride ourselves on putting in the little details that make your fence unique to you. Ask your representative about adding premium finishing caps to your Chain Link fence project.

Rails And Nails - With Purpose

Much like our fence pickets, RADIUS takes care of which rails and nails we build with. Our standard back rails for wood privacy fencing are constructed of prime Douglas fir species wood. This provides superior stiffness and no more warping/twisting (seen in treated pine materials).

Getting all of these great products together is important too! We use a specialty winged tip Coated wood-to-metal screw the size of your pinkie to hold the rails to our steel posts. Once set up, the pickets get finished on the installation with Galvanized coated ring-shank nails. No need for screws on our pickets – it’ll take a crowbar or more to get these nails out when applied correctly.

Better Fence Pickets

RADIUS builds with only the best fence pickets. These are not the typical fence pickets anyone can buy from the local big-box stores. RADIUS has partnered with suppliers to provide the highest quality wood fencing materials.

Our typical offering is the premium #2/BTR Wood Fence picket from Alta Forest Products. Their Western Red Cedar has the more time-tested quality results of all wood species in the Tulsa market. We also have other #1 Cryptomeria Japonica wood and some Prime Douglas fir options. We stay on top of the trends and teach each of our customers the intricacy of changes in the Wood Privacy Fencing market.

Stronger Posts

RADIUS understands that your fence is as strong as the posts that are used to build your wood residential privacy fence. Our team was instrumental in being at the forefront of bringing the Galvanized 2-1/2” Square steel posts to the Tulsa fence market. We not only offer these solid stalwarts but have access to other styles such as the Postmaster+ post options too.

Our standard is to set these in a concrete footer, utilizing a myriad of installation methodologies according to your exact soil conditions and site arrangements. Having experts design and install your fence is our standard – just like the steel posts we install daily.

Decorative Details & Designs

RADIUS goes the extra mile in every detail of your wood fence project. Add Cap & Trim for a simple, elegant feel – or look into our new Horizontal wood fencing solutions – the possibilities are nearly endless with our team’s unlimited design scope experience and talent.

We travel to major conventions and conferences to learn about all of the great innovations that continue to flood the North American market. RADIUS is known for its leadership in the fencing world, especially for unique wood privacy fence solutions.